Jerome Gamble

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #16 prospect in 2004
  The Red Sox left Gamble and Wil Ledezma their 40-man roster after the 2002 season because both had a long history of injuries and had worked a combined eight innings above low Class A. The Reds took Gamble and the Tigers selected Ledezma in the major league Rule 5 draft, but Gamble returned to Boston after failing to retire a batter in his lone big league spring-training appearance for Cincinnati. Gamble has one of the best arms in the Red Sox system. Strong and athletic, he throws a 92-94 mph fastball. At times he'll get good spin on a 12-6 breaking ball that some consider the best curve in the system. But it's inconsistent, and both his curveball and changeup need refinement. More than anything, Gamble must stay healthy. They 87 innings he logged in 2003 represented a career high, and he missed seven weeks with a sore elbow. Gamble also had elbow soreness in 2000, a precursor to Tommy John surgery the following year. His arm action has changed since the operation, making it more difficult for him to stay on top of his curveball. He'll pitch in Double-A in 2004.
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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #17 prospect in 2003
  The Reds approached the Red Sox about acquiring Gamble in a trade last summer, and couldn't pass up the opportunity to take him in the Rule 5 draft. Two years ago Gamble was considered to have the best raw arm in the Boston system, though he had been limited to 31 appearances because of elbow problems. The news didn't get any better in 2001, when he pitched just three times before requiring Tommy John surgery. When he returned in mid- 2002, he was on strict pitch counts and never went past five innings. He was dominant in his short stints, and his quality stuff returned. Gamble again was throwing 92-94 mph with ease, and his hard curveball came back. He doesn't throw his changeup for strikes yet, but he believes in the pitch and throws it with the same arm slot as his fastball. Gamble was to be turned loose as a high Class A starter in 2003. He'll have to stay on Cincinnati's 25-man roster all year or be offered back to the Red Sox, who hope they'll be able to reclaim him.
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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #30 prospect in 2002
  Though elbow problems have limited him to 31 games in three pro seasons, Gamble is considered to have a raw arm as good as any in the system. His elbow flared up again last year, as he was shut down for 2 1/2 months after making two starts. He took the mound once again in late June before needing Tommy John surgery. The Red Sox hope he can take the mound again toward the end of spring training. When healthy, Gamble pumped 93-94 mph fastballs with plenty of movement. Very projectable, he figured to add velocity as he gained more strength. His curveball, changeup and command all have suffered from his lack of experience. He'll probably head back to high Class A whenever he's ready to pitch again.
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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #12 prospect in 2001
  Gamble may have the best raw arm in the organization, even better than that of his 2000 Augusta teammate, Brad Baker. The Red Sox have nursed him through elbow problems, which is why he has made just 31 appearances in three pro seasons. He was shut down at the end of each of the last two years. Gamble throws a consistent 93-94 mph, and his fastball rides at times and sinks at others. When he fills out his 6-foot-2 frame, scouts think he'll be able to work in the upper 90s on a regular basis. Gamble is a good athlete who played four years of defensive end for his high school football team. He didn't give up a homer in 2000 until his final start of the year. He's still working on the other aspects of pitching, such as developing a curveball (which has its moments) and changeup and improving his command. When he gets that down, he'll be much better at combating lefthanders, who hit 90 points better off him last season than did righties. Gamble should start 2001 at high Class A Sarasota, where he's likely to spend the entire year polishing his craft.